Discovery Vitality and Afrika Tikkun mark milestone moment with first running shoe handover in Diepsloot

Johannesburg, 23 June 2025 - The first pairs of donated running shoes from Discovery Vitality’s Give2Move initiative were officially handed over to verified beneficiaries aged between 13 to 30 at an event hosted at the Afrika Tikkun Wings of Life Centre in Diepsloot. 

The Give2Move initiative, which encourages people across South Africa to donate new or gently worn running and sports shoes to help others take their first steps towards a more active life, was launched in February in collaboration with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting physical activity for all South Africans.  

Members of the public are encouraged to donate shoes at drop-off points located at Discovery offices, Virgin Active gyms, Sportsmans Warehouse stores, Discovery Soccer Parks and selected parkrun events across the country. In addition to shoe donations, financial contributions are also welcome through Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation, to help purchase high-demand sizes and ensure that shoes reach the people who need them most. 

“At Discovery Vitality, we believe that movement is a powerful catalyst for change. The Give2Move initiative is about more than just shoes—it’s about unlocking potential, dignity, and opportunity through physical activity. By collaborating with government, Afrika Tikkun and the broader community, we’re helping South Africans take their first steps—literally and figuratively—towards healthier, more empowered lives,” says Dr Karen Johnson, Head of Strategic Programmes and Wellness at Discovery Vitality. 

All recipients at the handover, which took place on Friday June 20^th with Minister McKenzie in attendance, were registered beneficiaries of Afrika Tikkun which has a long-standing presence in South Africa, dedicated to the holistic development of young people from disadvantaged communities.  

“When government, corporates and civil society come together with a shared vision, we unlock real, scalable change. The Give2Move campaign is a testament to what public-private partnerships can achieve, restoring dignity, driving inclusion and investing in the potential of every South African. We’re proud to stand alongside Discovery Vitality and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture under Minister Gayton McKenzie in taking this step forward — together,” says Marc Lubner, Group CEO of Afrika Tikkun. 

Earlier in June, Discovery Vitality rallied schools across South Africa to get involved in the initiative. South African primary and secondary schools across the country can donate gently worn running shoes, soccer boots or any other sports footwear between 1 June and 15 August. In recognition of their efforts, two schools will stand a chance to win R50,000 to support their own wellness and physical activity programmes. 

How schools can get involved:  

• Encourage your school to register for the #VitalityGive2Move initiative to receive a collection bin 

• Drop off gently worn (or new) sports shoes at your school’s donation point   

• Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to donate their shoes too, as every pair donated makes a difference!  

• The two schools that collect the most shoes in their category will win R50,000! T&Cs apply.  

To learn more about the Vitality Give2Move competition for schools, click here.